Le Tout-Puissant Orchestre Poly-Rythmo - Madjafaloa

  by Maarten Schiethart

published: 25 / 2 / 2017

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In its full name of the All-Mighty Poly-Rhythm Orchestra, the TP Poly-Rythmo more or less embodies a vibrant institution of Benin's music. Cheerful Western Afro-Beat with subtle jigs, rhumba twists and sways of jazz marks this new highlight in the Poly-Rythmo's history, which now spans nearly half a century. Founded in Benin in 1968, the Poly-Rythmo orchestra now resurface, rejoicing at the next generations of West-African musicians. Singers Loko Pierre and the premier Vincent Ahehehinnou and bassist Gustave Bentho performed with Mélomé Clément for decades, 'Madjafalao', though, is their first album since 2011. Released on the Because label, it could have come out on Strut, Soul Jazz or Soundway. The title track is a belter to start with, and the album features in a similar vein dance floor classics like 'Wolou', 'Migbe' and 'Africa'. 'Africa' which has a great buzz is probably the most contemporary track in its style to come from Benin in recent years. It is an Afrobeat track with a vague notion of dubstep shuffling. High-life tracks like 'Baba Dijide' and 'Wangnigni' are radio-friendly even, floating on a beat whilst lead by the melody in the vocals and the melody in the bass and guitar licks. 'Finlin Ho' with diabolical screaming and funky oomphs is the first exceptional new music I have heard in the new year. 'Ouesse' evokes tribal mayhem as the uncredited brass section joins in for more Beningenuity/Benin ingenuity.

Track Listing:-

1 Madjafalao
2 Wangnigni
3 Heritage
4 Finlin Ho
5 Omonyi
6 Africa
7 Migbe
8 Ouesse
9 Wolou
10 Baba Djide

Band Links:-

https://www.facebook.com/OrchestrePolyRythmo/
http://www.poly-rythmo.com/

Label Links:-

https://instagram.com/becausemusic
http://becausemusic.tumblr.com/
https://twitter.com/becausemusic
https://www.facebook.com/BecauseMusic
http://www.because.tv/

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